Hairstyling Techniques - Apprenticeship
Get career-ready, cutting-edge skills in our AC Salon, Spa and Boutique.
- Practice cutting-edge skills on real clients in Algonquin College`s world-class hair salon
- Upon completing classes and work hours, you write and perform a practical exam to earn your Red Seal Inter-provincial license so you can work as a qualified hairstylist
- Industry-connected instructors provide relevant skills and guidance
Program Availability and Schedule
Schedule
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Program Summary
Credential
Program Delivery
Program Code
Area of Interest
School
Campus
Registered hairstylist apprentices are invited to pursue this Hairstyling Techniques - Apprenticeship Ontario College Certificate program by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD).
Learn cutting-edge skills from industry experts in Algonquin College`s world-class hair salon. Through a combination of hands-on application and theoretical instruction, you develop the skills you need for a career as a licensed professional hairstylist in today`s high-demand beauty industry....(read more)
Overview
Get career-ready, cutting-edge skills in our AC Salon, Spa and Boutique.
Registered hairstylist apprentices are invited to pursue this Hairstyling Techniques - Apprenticeship Ontario College Certificate program by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD).
Learn cutting-edge skills from industry experts in Algonquin College`s world-class hair salon. Through a combination of hands-on application and theoretical instruction, you develop the skills you need for a career as a licensed professional hairstylist in today`s high-demand beauty industry.
In order to enrol in this program, applicants must:
- be currently employed in the trade
- be formally registered as apprentices with MLTSD
- have a valid Offer of Classroom Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development that includes your Ministry Client ID and approved Class Number.
Eligibility is determined by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.
The program provides a total of 480 hours of in-class instruction, which must be supplemented by 3,020 hours of on-the-job training. Upon completion of these requirements, you write and perform a practical exam to earn your Red Seal Inter-provincial license so you can work as a qualified hairstylist.
Graduates from this program gain the skills they need to further their experience in the hair industry.
After receiving your license, you may find employment as a:
- hairstylist
- colour technician
- salon manager in salons, day or resort spas, health clubs, cruise ships, or beauty institutes
There are also opportunities as sales representatives for manufacturers, distributors and retailers of hairstyling products. You may also choose to pursue self-employment opportunities.
To learn more about apprenticeships, visit ontario.ca/page/skilled-trades for detailed information.
For Registered Apprentices:
You begin the program with eight weeks of in-class instruction, followed by approximately one year of working in the industry. After this work period, you return to Algonquin College to complete another eight weeks of in-class instruction. The program combines theoretical instruction in cutting, styling, hair colouring, hygiene, and salon management, with valuable hands-on experience.
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for students who:
- Enjoy interacting with people and providing superior service to clients.
- Have strong communication (oral and written) skills.
- Are organized, creative and energetic.
- Are able to stand for extended periods of time and work long hours.
- Are able to lift five pounds at shoulder height for an extended timeframe.
- Are comfortable working in awkward postures or performing repetitive tasks.
Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Code:
HAI2127
Course Name:
Entrepreneurial Skills 1
Course Description:
Clients are the mainstay of any salon's existence. Students acquire the skills needed to provide effective customer service through practice... + Read More
Hours:
12.0
Code:
HAI2129
Course Name:
Style Hair 1
Course Description:
Creating the desired finished look for any occasion is a must for a hairstylist. Students recognize and develop the skills required to creat... + Read More
Hours:
36.0
Code:
HAI2137
Course Name:
Permanent Wave Hair
Course Description:
The apprentice is able to perform a permanent wave using current and relevant methods according to hair type and style.... + Read More
Hours:
44.0
Code:
HAI2139
Course Name:
Colour and Lighten Hair 1
Course Description:
The apprentice acquires skills to colour, lighten, tone, highlight and lowlight hair, and/or remove pigment to the level of colour desired.... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
HAI2140
Course Name:
Health and Safety I
Course Description:
Upon successful completion, the apprentice is able to facilitate the provision of healthy and safe working environments and perform sanitiza... + Read More
Hours:
16.0
Code:
HAI2141
Course Name:
Cut Hair 1
Course Description:
Recognizing the factors that influence the overall design of a haircut is crucial. Students identify and develop the skills required to perf... + Read More
Hours:
36.0
Code:
HAI2142
Course Name:
Ethics, Regulation and Policy
Course Description:
Upon successful completion, the apprentice is able to complete all work in adherence to professional ethics, government regulations, workpla... + Read More
Hours:
8.0
Code:
HAI2143
Course Name:
Professional Development
Course Description:
Upon successful completion, the apprentice is able to adapt to various and changing technologies, applications and procedures in the hair st... + Read More
Hours:
8.0
Code:
HAI2144
Course Name:
Client Service
Course Description:
Upon successful completion, the apprentice is able to select and administer preparatory procedures and/or treatments to the hair and scalp u... + Read More
Hours:
8.0
Code:
HAI2145
Course Name:
Preparatory Procedures and Treatments 1
Course Description:
Upon successful completion, the apprentice is able to select and administer preparatory procedures and/or treatments to the hair and scalp u... + Read More
Hours:
16.0
Code:
HAI2209
Course Name:
Entrepreneurial Skills 2
Course Description:
Entrepreneurial techniques used to promote a salon, including its services and products, are essential in the role of a hairstylist. Student... + Read More
Hours:
16.0
Code:
HAI2210
Course Name:
Preparatory Procedures and Treatments 2
Course Description:
Each service within a salon requires a specific preparatory procedure based on the type of hair and service being performed. Students enhanc... + Read More
Hours:
16.0
Code:
HAI2211
Course Name:
Style Hair 2
Course Description:
Specialized skills and techniques are used to create modern styles. Students enhance the skills and knowledge attained in the first level wh... + Read More
Hours:
40.0
Code:
HAI2213
Course Name:
Chemically Relax Hair
Course Description:
Upon successful completion, the apprentice is able to chemically relax hair by selecting and applying relevant knowledge of, and skills with... + Read More
Hours:
44.0
Code:
HAI2214
Course Name:
Colour and Lighten Hair 2
Course Description:
Students deepen their knowledge and skills around hair colouring by integrating specialized application techniques and advanced corrective a... + Read More
Hours:
60.0
Code:
HAI2215
Course Name:
Cut Hair 2
Course Description:
Students enhance the skills and knowledge attained in the first level while honing their technical abilities as they apply to today's trends... + Read More
Hours:
40.0
Code:
HAI2216
Course Name:
Hair Additions
Course Description:
Upon successful completion, the apprentice is able to compare and contrast fiber types, application procedures, specialized tools and mainte... + Read More
Hours:
24.0
Careers & Pathways
Careers
Upon successful completion of the provincial examinations, graduates are qualified to work as hairstylists.
Pathways
Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Demonstrate safe working practices in the workplace and be able to perform sanitization procedures according to related health legislation.
- Communicate styling and product-related recommendations in a clear, compassionate and confident manner to enhance client trust.
- Provide scalp and hair treatments to enhance scalp oil production, improve hair growth, and other related health benefits.
- Cut and style hair to a desired shape or style using a variety of styling tools to meet client requirements and specifications.
- Perform a permanent wave and chemical relaxing using test curl method of verification according to hair type and style.
- Perform a colour to the level desired, and lighten, tone, highlight and lowlight hair or remove artificial pigment to the level of colour desired.
- Perform routine salon business functions such as marketing salon products; completing financial transactions and booking appointments to enhance customer retention.
Tuition & Fees
Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.
2023/2024 Academic Year
Tuition Fees: $400 per level.
Incidental Fee: $150 per level.
Information Technology Fee: $43.86 per level.
Textbooks cost approximately $200, equipment and supplies cost approximately $900.
Student uniform cost is approximately $40.
Admissions Requirements
All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.
College Eligibility
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent; OR
- Mature Student status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program).
Program Eligibility
- Prospective students must be registered apprentices with the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development and must be a member in good standing with Skilled Trades Ontario (STO).
- Eligibility is determined by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.
Application Information
HAIRSTYLING TECHNIQUES - APPRENTICESHIP
Program Code 0348X01FWO
Registration for Apprenticeship programs takes place through the Ministry of Labour, Training, and Skills Development.
For further information, contact:
Ministry of Labour, Training, and Skills Development
347 Preston Street 3rd Floor, Suite 310
Ottawa, ON K1S 3H8
https://www.ontario.ca/page/start-apprenticeship
Telephone: 613-731-7100
Toll-free: 1-877-221-1220
Additional Information
Program Resources
Note: Students must practise health and safety awareness with regards to commonly-used substances in a salon, including hair-related products, cleansers and sanitation chemicals.
A minimum passing grade for all apprenticeship courses is 60%.
Success in all Basic Level classes is a requirement before moving to the Advanced Level. Exam prep is now mandatory, and is delivered as a 5-day extension to the Advanced Level.
Contact
Deanna Douglas
Program Coordinator
Room A115b
Deanna Douglas has worked in the industry of Cosmetology for 30+ years. She has won both men’s and women’s cut and style competitions while apprenticing under a passionate team of hairstylists in British Columbia. After achieving her Red Seal Inter-provincial qualification in Hairstyling, she then moved to Alberta to become a certified Aesthetician. She worked in the spa at the world-famous Banff Springs Hotel and the prestigious York Street Spa here in Ottawa.
Deanna took some time to travel and teach English in Taiwan to business professionals and children. While teaching in Taiwan, she realized she needed to pursue her passion of hairstyling and education. Upon her return to Canada, Deanna became an Aveda education coach while working as a manager, hairstylist and esthetician. She mentored many young talented individuals through their apprenticeship before joining Algonquin College, first part-time and then as a professor in 2010.
She continues to educate herself both as a facilitator and hairstylist to stay up on current trends. Deanna feels privileged to share her experiences and passion with her students. Her love of competition has not faded. She has co-coached three students to win medals at the Ontario Skills Competition and one to Nationals representing Algonquin College.
Among many dedicated hairstylists, owners, educators and supporters in the trade of Hairstyling, Deanna sits as the secretary on the Board of Directors for the Ontario Professional Hairstylists Association. The mission to promote, protect and progress the trade of Hairstyling is near to her heart. OPHA has had many successes but the largest was to have Skilled Trades Ontario plan to introduce the practical portion of the Red Seal exam in Ontario, which enables all young Hairstylist Apprentices to one day become Inter-Provincially qualified Hairstylists.
Stella Ludlow
Student Success Specialist
Tara Ettinger
Professor
Room A102
Tara Ettinger has over 28 years of experience as a hair stylist. She has a diverse background which includes training in cosmetology and as a professional make-up artist. She is also is a master colourist and wig enhancement specialist.
With over 20 years of teaching experience Tara recognizes the importance of lifelong learning. This is a practice that she not only preaches to her students and peers but also follows herself and as such holds a Master of Arts in Learning and Technology as well as over 14 certificates/diplomas related to Cosmetology and Teaching fields including but not limited to: Hair Stylist Diploma, Red Seal Journeyman Hairstylist, Professional Makeup artist, Master Colourist, Nail Technician and TALL Program.
Mariella Di Bello
Instructor
Room A102
Mariella DiBello has been teaching in Algonquin College’s Hairstyling program for the past eight years and is a hairstylist at Serenity Spa. She grew up in the industry, beginning her career over 35 years ago alongside her father, an entrepreneur/hairstylist. After completing her apprenticeship with Algonquin college, she kicked off her career by opening her own business in 1986. Her passion for hairstyling and understanding of the business led her to travel to places like Toronto, Montreal, New York, Las Vegas, Houston, and Orlando. On these ventures she did stage work, training and seminars with renowned hairstylist Farouk Shami.
Mariella has acquired her Red Seal certification and is constantly educating herself on the latest trends and styles through barbering, colouring, and cutting courses. The combination of her deep passion for hairstyling and education led her to share her vast experience to help pave the pathways of the next generation of hairstylists.
Stefania Capovilla
Instructor
Canada’s new Prime Minister is getting world-wide attention… for his hair! And it turns out there’s an Algonquin College connection to his coif – Stefania Capovilla, a part-time faculty member in our Hairstylist program, is the stylist behind his ‘do. The Toronto Star recently wrote about Trudeau and his locks, featuring Stefania Capovilla’s Instagram photo, which reads “When an old friend gets a new job…he gets a haircut!”.
The Star writes “Capovilla has been taming Trudeau’s tresses for years — and, in a 2012 article in the National Post, copped to styling the locks of other political elites of all stripes, from former prime minister Stephen Harper to Trudeau’s mom, Margaret Trudeau.” Read full the article. It’s no surprise that our students are learning from the best of the best! Stefania began teaching at Algonquin in January 2015, and opened her own Salon & Blow Dry Bar, Society Salon on Sparks Street in June 2016.